Broxburn Kids Can Tri Tri Tri!

This week (16 June), school children from West Lothian will have the opportunity to take part in their first triathlon as the Corus Kids of Steel event comes to town. Champion triathlete and duathlete and local hero, Cat Morrison (from Broxburn) will be there to support them.

Hundreds of young people aged between 8 and 13 will take part in a mini-triathlon at Broxburn Academy, involving swimming, cycling and running; giving them a taste of the combination of disciplines that the sport involves.

The budding sports stars of the future will also learn the techniques of transition to make sure they are wearing the right kit for each discipline. Every child that takes part will receive a t-shirt, swim cap, goody bag and medal.

Triathlon is a fast growing and vibrant Olympic sport, and Broxburn's Corus Kids of Steel event will give local children the opportunity to experience it and be inspired by Morrison; a former world champion triathlete and duathlete. Cat one of the favorites at the 2010 GE Edinburgh ITU Duathlon World Championship being held in Holyrood Park, 3-5 September this year, where she will race for gold in front of her home crowd.

British Triathlon Regional Programme Manager for Scotland, Brown Ferguson said, “The emphasis of Corus Kids of Steel is on inclusion, no matter what ability each child has in the different disciplines, and if they don't feel comfortable with swimming or cycling, they can just skip that section. The distances are very achievable and the environment is totally supportive so it is relevant to all, whatever their level of fitness.”

Corus, the steel manufacturer, is embarking on its fourth year of a partnership with British Triathlon that is committed through to 2013. Nearly 15,000 children to date have experienced triathlon at these events. Broxburn marks the seventh event in the 2010 Corus Kids of Steel series, which will visit 15 venues in total and reach more children than it ever has in previous years. Other Corus Kids of Steel venues also have a special connection with the steel company, with key venues including Scunthorpe, Corby, Teesside and South Wales.

Kirby Adams, CEO of Corus, said: “Corus has a major emphasis on community involvement. It's a strength we have as a company and it's central to our ethos.

“Our partnership with British Triathlon is focused on ensuring that the grass roots of the sport are being nurtured, and that children have the opportunity to experience an Olympic sport in their own community.”

Chief Executive Officer of the British Triathlon Federation Zara Hyde Peters said, “We are delighted that we will once again be able to provide children with an early experience of triathlon.

“In conjunction with our Corporate Partner, Corus, we take great pride in providing a fun, active and enjoyable day that creates opportunities for children to achieve their personal triathlon challenges while keeping a big smile on their faces.”

About CorusCorus is Europe's second largest steel producer. With main steelmaking operations primarily in the UK and the Netherlands, Corus supplies steel and related services to the construction, automotive, packaging, mechanical engineering and other markets worldwide.

Corus is a subsidiary of Tata Steel, one of the world's top ten steel producers. The combined enterprise has an aggregate crude steel capacity of more than 28 million tonnes and approximately 80,000 employees across four continents.

2010 Corus Kids of Steel EventsDate VenueTues 27th April NewhamWeds 28th April CorbyThurs 29th April BirminghamTues 25th May KentWed 26th May East SussexThurs 27th May S/W LondonTues 15th June EdinburghWeds 16th June BroxburnThurs 17th June TeessideWeds 23rd June LeedsThurs 24th June ScunthorpeFri 25th June MoldWeds 7th July SwanseaThurs 8th July NewportFri 9th July Helston

About British TriathlonBritish Triathlon is the National Governing Body for Triathlon, Duathlon and Aquathlon in Great Britain, responsible for leading growth and performance of the sport. At international level, Great Britain boasts a strong squad of world ranked elite triathletes who regularly achieve international success and has some outstanding young talent emerging from its youth programmes. There are over 700 triathlon events conducted in Great Britain each year including the renowned London Triathlon and British Triathlon Super Series, which attracts athletes from all over the world. British Triathlon aims to promote excellence in our sport, and create opportunities for everyone to achieve their personal triathlon challenges. www.britishtriathlon.org